Mitchell Fontenot

Mitchell Fontenot, a true Ville Platte original born on August 7, 1963, decided to take the ultimate gardening break and shuffled off this mortal coil on March 25, 2026, in St. Landry. He left behind tire tracks with his love for old Bronco pickup, running the backroads. He was a big hearted man whose many talents helped everyone he met.

Mitchell was the kind of guy who got his hands dirty—not just in life but quite literally in his garden, where he spent many happy hours coaxing plants into thriving just like he did with his family. Speaking of family, he’s survived by an impressive clan including his daughters Brandy and Shannon Joubert of St. Landry and Michelle and Cody John Deshotel of Bayou Chicot, an army of grandkids—Taylor, Kallie, Rory Jr, Cody Jr, Ethan, Vivian, Lauren, Nick—and great-grandkids Benson, Sawyer, Walker, Dallas Kate, as well as his siblings Oswald Jr and Lyndia of Bayou Chicot, Billy Ray of Bayou Chicot, Sandra Tougas of North Dakota, and sister-in-law Debbie Fontenot. Not to forget his godchildren, Josh "Chicken," Kayle Deville, and Sheryl Guillory, who all surely have tales of their godfathers's unique brand of wisdom.

Mitchell's life roster wouldn’t be complete without a heartfelt nod to those who have gone ahead of him: Addie Fontenot, his wife of 40 years, who surely keeps an eye on him from above, his son Mitchell Fontenot Jr, parents Oswald and Grace Fontenot, sisters Norma Rose and Rowena Fontenot, brother Ronald, Jimmy, (and let’s not forget Chris Brown, his brother from another mother), fathers-in-law LJ Thrasher, and Elby Fontenot, brothers-in-law Dicky Fontenot, Khon Johnson, and Jim Tougas and his uncle Jimmy Thrasher. Each of these fine folks must be having a great reunion party in the beyond, probably comparing who had the best stories about Mitchell.

For those who want to pay their respects—and maybe share a few laughs at some of Mitchell’s legendary quips or garden mishaps—a visitation will be held on March 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Ardoin’s Funeral Home, 709 W Main St, Ville Platte, LA. The funeral service follows from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, officiated by David Pluckett and afterward, Mitchell will be laid to rest at Turkey Creek Cemetery, 1096 Cemetery Rd, Ville Platte, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, carried by Cody John Sr., Cody John Jr., Rory Jr., Ethan, Rylan, and Landon. The whole affair promises to be a celebration of a man who truly knew how to dig deep—whether in soil or family ties.

In leu of flowers, Please make a donation to the Special Olympics of Acadiana.

Mitchell’s final resting place may be underground, but his spirit, humor, and green thumb will continue to grow and flourish in the hearts of those who knew him. Here's to a life well-lived and a garden eternally thriving!